Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has stated that Petr Cech is a commanding figure in the side.

The goalkeeper kept his sixth clean sheet in 11 Premier League games this season as the Gunners beat Swansea City 3-0 at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday.

Mertesacker has said that having former Chelsea man Cech in the side breeds confidence to the rest of the team.

"You know that if they get a really clear chance Petr can do something about it," the German centre-back told The Metro.

"He's someone who can save your day. That gives everyone a big lift, not only the back four. The way he is commanding and vocal makes him vital. He is one of our leaders and he deserves it.

"He has played at a high level and he is still very hungry and, no matter how successful he was at Chelsea, I think he gives our team the hunger we maybe need. He is an experienced player that everyone looks up to and he's important for our structure as well."

Cech joined Arsenal from Chelsea during the summer.